Magnetic blade sharpening device and method

Abstract

An apparatus and method for sharpening razor blades and the like whereby rectangularly-shaped magnets are placed end-to-end in a rectangular enclosure that snaps on securely over a razor blade during non-use times in such a manner that the magnetic field generated by the magnets acts upon the cutting edge of the blade so as to maintain the sharpness of the cutting edge.

We claim: 
     
       1. A transportable magnetic blade-sharpening device comprising:
 a. a rectangularly shaped casing uniformly cast from nonferrous material; 
 b. two or more elongated rectangularly shaped magnets forming longitudinal axes and each magnet having two opposite planar polar end surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal axes, said magnets being aligned in an a polar end-to-polar end, like-poles-facing one another-and-touching disposition within said casing; and 
 c. a means for firmly attaching and securing said casing to a head of a hand-held shaving device when said hand-held shaving device is not in use. 
 
     
     
       2. The device according to  claim 1  wherein said means consists of extended sides formed from two semi-rigid rectangular strips composed of a material identical to said nonferrous material composing said casing and extending perpendicularly from said casing's upper surface at or near opposite narrow sides of said casing. 
     
     
       3. The device according to  claim 1  wherein said means consists of extended sides formed from two semi-rigid rectangular strips composed of a material different from said nonferrous material composing said casing and extending perpendicularly from said casing's upper surface at or near opposite narrow sides of said casing. 
     
     
       4. The device according to  claim 1  wherein said means consists of tabs formed from two semi-rigid rectangular strips composed of a material identical to said nonferrous material composing said casing and extending perpendicularly from said casing's upper surface at or near opposite narrow sides of said casing and then bending inward at substantially right angles so as to form short tabs. 
     
     
       5. The device according to  claim 1  wherein said means consist of tabs formed from two semi-rigid strips composed of a material different from that composing said casing and extending perpendicularly from said casing's upper surface at or near opposite narrow sides of said casing and then bending inward at substantially right angles so as to form short tabs. 
     
     
       6. The device according to  claim 4  wherein said tabs touch each other. 
     
     
       7. The device according to  claim 5  wherein said tabs touch each other. 
     
     
       8. The device according to  claim 1  wherein said means consists of extended sides with tabs formed from two semi-rigid rectangular strips composed of a material identical to said nonferrous material composing said casing and extending perpendicularly from said casing's upper surface at or near opposite narrow sides of said casing and then bending outward and back upon themselves at acute angles. 
     
     
       9. The device according to  claim 1  wherein said means consists of extended sides with tabs formed from two semi-rigid rectangular strips composed of a material different from that composing said casing and extending perpendicularly from said casing's upper surface at or near opposite narrow sides of said casing and then bending outward and back upon themselves at acute angles. 
     
     
       10. The device according to  claim 1  wherein said means consists of tabs with a flattened S-shaped configuration formed from two semi-rigid rectangular strips composed of a material identical to said nonferrous material composing said casing and extending perpendicularly from said casing's front edge and upper surface and then curling upward, downward and upward again in a rearward direction. 
     
     
       11. The device according to  claim 1  wherein said means consists of tabs with a flattened S-shaped configuration formed from two semi-rigid rectangular strips composed of a material different from that composing said casing and extending perpendicularly from said casing's front edge and upper surface and then curling upward, downward and upward again in a rearward direction. 
     
     
       12. The device according to  claim 1  wherein said means consists of a compartment open on its rearward face and formed by extending said casing's sides, forward edge, and upper surface perpendicularly from said upper surface of said casing. 
     
     
       13. The device according to  claim 1  wherein said casing consists of a moldable body capable of supporting a hand-held shaving device and said means consists of a drainable channel longitudinally disposed above and parallel to said magnets. 
     
     
       14. The device according to  claim 13  further comprising a means for attaching and securing said casing to a vertical surface. 
     
     
       15. The device according to  claim 14  wherein said means is a suction cup. 
     
     
       16. The device according to one of  claims 1 - 15  wherein said casing is composed of plastic, rubber, or epoxy or other suitable nonferrous material. 
     
     
       17. A method for extending a cutting edge's life comprising steps of:
 a. placing two or more elongated rectangularly-shaped permanent magnets in a suitable casing, said magnets forming longitudinal axes and each magnetic having two opposite planar polar end surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal axes, wherein said magnets being disposed in a polar end-to-polar end alignment so that magnetic charges on any two of said planar polar end surfaces of any two of said magnets adjoining and facing each other are identical; 
 b. providing a cutting edge; and 
 c. attaching said cutting edge to said casing in such a manner that said cutting edge is parallel to and above said magnets.